Chang'e 6 brought rocks from the far side of the Moon back to Earth − a planetary scientist explains what this sample could hold

The far side of the Moon has a very different composition from the near side − so researchers are eager to see what stories these samples will tell.

Jeffrey Gillis-Davis, Research Professor of Physics, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
Aug. 6, 2024 • ~9 min

How can there be ice on the Moon?

It’s a fundamental requirement for life on Earth. But how does water exist on such a forbidding world as the Moon?

Glenn Lightsey, Professor of Space Systems Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Aug. 5, 2024 • ~7 min

Fly Me to the Moon: what science communicators could learn from marketing professionals

People are drawn to human interest stories and negative information.

Hannah Little, Lecturer in Communication and Media, University of Liverpool • conversation
July 29, 2024 • ~7 min

What lunar caves tell us about the shared origins of the Earth and the Moon

The Moon was formed after a collision ejected rock from the early Earth.

Robin Smith, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Sheffield Hallam University • conversation
July 25, 2024 • ~6 min

A cave discovered on the Moon opens up new opportunities for settlement by humans

The caves would protect astronauts from meteorite strikes and cosmic radiation.

Christopher Pattison, Researcher at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth • conversation
July 22, 2024 • ~7 min

Could people turn Mars into another Earth? Here’s what it would take to transform its barren landscape into a life-friendly world

Liquid water, breathable air and a sustainable food supply are three of the essentials Mars would need for people to live comfortably there.

Sven Bilén, Professor of Engineering Design, Electrical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, Penn State • conversation
July 15, 2024 • ~9 min

With its latest Moon mission success, China’s space programme has the US in its sights

China wants to build a lunar base with international partners, just as the US does.

Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of the Space Economy Evolution Lab, Bocconi University • conversation
July 4, 2024 • ~7 min

Why do some planets have moons? A physics expert explains why Earth has only one moon while other planets have hundreds

It’s not a competition, but if it were, Saturn would be winning.

Nicole Granucci, Instructor of Physics, Quinnipiac University • conversation
June 24, 2024 • ~7 min

Nations realise they need to take risks or lose the race to the Moon

There’s intense competition between the US and China to establish bases on the Moon.

Jacco van Loon, Reader in Astrophysics, Keele University • conversation
June 17, 2024 • ~8 min

Space weather forecasting needs an upgrade to protect future Artemis astronauts

The Sun will be at its most explosive right around the time NASA plans to put people back on the Moon.

Lulu Zhao, Assistant Research Scientist in Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
June 13, 2024 • ~6 min

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